The General Organisation of Sea Ports (GOP) today announced the first annual performance statistics for the Kingdom’s state-of-the-art Khalifa Bin Salman Port (KBSP), which successfully completed one year of operations in April this year. The statistics reveal a remarkable upward curve in the port’s commercial and operational activities with an unprecedented rise in the trans-shipment container moves since the transition to KBSP from Mina Salman, the Kingdom’s main port for more than 50 years.

According to the statistics, KBSP has greatly improved trans-shipment through Bahrain, which has increased significantly marking a new era of sophisticated port management and solidifying the Kingdom’s prominence among the shipping hubs of the region. In addition, total number of TEU’s (twenty-foot equivalent units), handled at KBSP during the first 12 months increased by 13.2%.

As one of the most modern ports in the Arabian Gulf, KBSP’s use of the latest technology and equipment set a new berth productivity record of 62.1 moves/hr. KBSP’s sophisticated technology has resulted in an 82.1% increase in average berth productivity in its first year of operations.

Commenting on the first annual statistics, Hassan Ali Al Majed, Director General of General Organisation of Sea Ports said: “Despite the decline in world trade, KBSP’s first year results represent a quantum leap for Bahrain in the area of maritime shipping and logistics. The statistics are a testament to the increased port productivity and efficiency achieved from implementing leading edge technology under the operation of international port operation experts APM Terminals. The successful completion of the first year of operations reinforces KBSP’s commitment to maintaining Bahrain’s global leading position and establishing a trans-shipment hub for the upper Gulf region.

“The new port is symbolic of the Kingdom’s sustained development and expansion towards realising the Bahrain Economic Vision 2030, and as we move forward, we continue to ensure that it remains an attractive port of call in terms of operational efficiency and high service quality”, added Mr. Al Majed.

In the first year of operations, the port’s gross crane productivity (GCP) shot up substantially by 65.9% with the introduction of the post panamax cranes.

According to the annual statistics, though vessel movement at KBSP marginally increased by 0.7% in one year, the general cargo throughput decreased during the first year of KBSP operations. The statistics reflected a decrease of 32% compared to previous years – indicating decreased market demand caused by the global economic recession and its effect on the port system and shipping.

The port operators, APM Terminals, played a significant role in enhancing KBSP operations by bringing their global experience and expertise in the management of international ports.

The BD136.3 million port was designed to accommodate a container capacity of more than 1.1 TEUs annually in addition to cruise ships facilities and warehouses. The terminal has capacity of 10,800 TEUs ground slots with a five container high, lending it a capacity of five times more than that of Mina Salman Port. Unlike Mina Salman Port, the new world-class port will ultimately have the capability to handle ships with drafts up to 15m, the size of which are becoming commonplace in the Arabian Gulf as foreign trade increases and the region prospers.

Occupying an area of 110 hectares of reclaimed land, KBSP is located on the north-east of the Kingdom of Bahrain, only 13 kilometres away from Bahrain International Airport, and it is also linked to the road leading to the King Fahd Causeway.

The port provides sea freight, shipping, and logistic services in accordance to the highest international specifications and standards in the industry.